News

London,

16

January

2012

|

00:00

Europe/London

LOVE HACKNEY, SHOP LOCAL DESIGNER TOTE BAGS

Hackney Council has commissioned Hackney-based Fashion Designers Mark Fast, William Richard Green, Simone Rocha and Atalanta Weller to create a shopping tote to help promote the LOVE HACKNEY, SHOP LOCAL Campaign

Hackney boasts some of London s most vibrant markets, each dishing up delicious local fare and produce alongside other goods such as clothing, toys, gifts and household supplies.

The Love Hackney, Shop Local campaign asks residents and visitors to support its markets and think twice about using plastic bags in order to support a sustainable local economy and help the borough on its way to becoming one of the greenest in London.

The council decided to tap into the wealth of creative talent the borough boasts and has commissioned some of London’s most exciting fashion designers (that all work in Hackney) to design exclusive shopping bags. Atalanta Weller, Mark Fast, Simone Rocha and William Richard Green and the council have created limited edition cotton totes which will be available to shoppers when they purchase goods from a selected group of market stalls at four of Hackney’s best-loved markets. Details of where, when and how to get a bag are to be found on the council’s website and its Hackney Living Twitter and Facebook pages (See notes).

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "Hackney is home to fantastic markets and many independent shops. Love Hackney, Shop Local encourages residents to make the most of what s on their doorstep by shopping locally and supporting our market traders and businesses. Hackney designers support this message and have produced reusable bags for shoppers to use instead of plastic bags.”

Notes to Editors:

The first two designs, Mark Fast’s and William Richard Green’s will be available from designated traders at four of Hackney’s markets on the 28th and 29th January and the following 3rd and 4th February 2012.Exact details of where and when the bags will be available will be announced through the council’s facebook and twitter pages:

William Richard Green – Up and coming menswear designer William has shown his collections with Fashion East in its first 3 seasons and is currently designing a window display for his own collection to be displayed in Selfridges in January.

Simone Rocha – Simone Rocha is fast establishing herself as a globally recognized London based fashion brand, only in her 2nd year of business after graduating her designs most recently graced the cover of ELLE magazine on Lady Gaga.

Twitter: @Simone_Rocha_

Atalanta Weller – Luxury shoe designer Atalanta Weller has been designing shoes for her own brand as well as many other prestigious fashion brands since 2009, most recently earning a place in the V&A’s permenant fashion collection.